THREE THINGS TO WATCH

1. New line

Nolan Patrick will get a bigger role right off the bat out of the All-Star break. He has rolled with Wayne Simmonds as his right winger for a while now, but Jake Voracek is added to his left. The NHL's assists leader, Voracek certainly puts Patrick in a more offensive role.

“Probably the last dozen games I think Patty’s played pretty strong, two-way hockey,” coach Dave Hakstol said. “He’s making good things happen with the puck. He’s much more comfortable having the puck. I think that’s one of the biggest developments in his game. Early on as a young guy I thought there were times he was just trying to make a safe play and move the puck to somebody else.”

2. Snap back in line

The Flyers have done pretty well this season coming out of a break. On the five occasions that they've played after a break of four or more days, they are 4-1-0. They'll certainly need success this week, starting with a back-to-back against two division opponents that are ahead of them in a playoff race.

"I think it’s more about mental stuff," goalie Michal Neuvirth said. "You don’t think about hockey for four days and you have one practice and there’s no excuses. I think it all starts with our leadership and the younger guys will follow."

3. Goalie matchup

Michal Neuvirth will get the start against his former team. He has a 1-1-0 regular-season record against the Caps with a 3.14 goals-against average and .891 save percentage.

Braden Holtby gets the nod against the Flyers. In 21 games against the Flyers he has an 8-4-8 record with a 2.50 goals-against average and .916 save percentage.

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